side hustles

The Best Realistic UK Side Hustles for Over-50s

The Best Realistic UK Side Hustles for Over-50s

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If you’ve ever searched online for side hustle ideas, you’ll know that many articles seem aimed at people in their twenties who want to become social media influencers, crypto traders or e-commerce millionaires overnight.

As someone firmly in the over-50 category myself, I know that most of us are looking for something rather different.

We may want to supplement our pension, build up a holiday fund, cover rising household bills, or simply earn some extra spending money. But we generally don’t want to spend every waking hour chasing the latest internet fad.

With that in mind, here are some realistic side hustles that can work well for people in their fifties, sixties and beyond.

1. Prolific Academic

My number one recommendation is undoubtedly Prolific Academic.

If you haven’t come across it before, Prolific is an online platform that connects researchers with members of the public willing to take part in studies. These may involve surveys, opinion polls, memory tests, behavioural experiments and other research activities. Participants are paid for taking part. Prolific has built a strong reputation for fair treatment of participants and reasonable rates of pay.

One reason I particularly like Prolific is that the studies are often genuinely interesting. You’re not just answering endless marketing questionnaires. Many studies are linked to real academic research and can be surprisingly thought-provoking. As an added bonus, they help keep your brain active.

There are no fixed hours or targets. You simply log in when you wish and complete any studies available to you. That flexibility makes it ideal for retirees and semi-retirees.

I’ve written a full article about this platform here: Here’s Why Prolific Academic Could Be the Ideal Side Hustle for Seniors. 

2. Selling Unwanted Items Online

Most of us accumulate a surprising amount of clutter over the years.

Books, DVDs, collectibles, tools, kitchen gadgets, hobby equipment and even old furniture can all be sold online through platforms such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Vinted.

Many people start simply by decluttering their homes and discover they have hundreds of pounds’ worth of unwanted possessions gathering dust.

While this may not provide a permanent income stream, it can be an excellent way to generate some quick extra cash.

3. Freelance Writing

If you enjoy writing and have expertise in a particular subject, freelance writing can be a rewarding sideline.

Many businesses, websites and magazines are constantly looking for content. Experience often counts for more than formal qualifications, and older writers can bring a depth of knowledge that younger freelancers may lack.

You don’t need to become a full-time professional writer. Even a handful of commissions each month can generate a valuable supplementary income. For more tips, check out my article 10 Tips for Making Money as a Freelance Writer.

4. Tutoring and Coaching

Years of work and life experience can be valuable assets.

Whether you have a background in teaching, management, finance, engineering, IT, languages or another specialist field, there may be opportunities to tutor students or coach others.

Online platforms have made it easier than ever to connect with people seeking help and advice.

This is one side hustle where experience genuinely becomes a competitive advantage.

5. Website and App Testing

Companies are constantly developing websites, apps and online services and need feedback from ordinary users.

Website testing typically involves carrying out a series of tasks while explaining your thoughts aloud. Sessions often last between 10 and 30 minutes.

No specialist technical knowledge is usually required. Companies want feedback from typical users, and older participants are often actively sought because their perspectives can differ from those of younger people.

UserTesting is a well-known platform in this field.

6. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If you enjoy spending time with animals, this can be both enjoyable and profitable.

Many pet owners need help when they are working, travelling or unable to care for their pets temporarily.

This is particularly attractive for active retirees who want a side hustle that gets them out of the house and provides some gentle exercise. Pawshake is one platform where you can sign up for this type of work.

7. Market Research and Focus Groups

Focus groups can be especially lucrative.

Researchers frequently seek participants from specific age groups and backgrounds. As an older adult, you may qualify for studies that younger people cannot join.

Sessions can take place online or in person and often pay significantly more than standard surveys.

8. Blogging

Naturally, I have to mention blogging!

Starting a blog won’t make you rich overnight, and it can take time to build an audience. However, it offers the opportunity to share your knowledge, experiences and opinions while potentially generating income through advertising, affiliate marketing and sponsored content. Blogging also combines very well with freelance writing (mentioned above).

Many successful bloggers have found that their life experience gives them a distinctive voice that readers appreciate.

What Makes a Good Side Hustle for Over-50s?

In my view, the best side hustles for older people have four key characteristics:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Low start-up costs
  • Minimal financial risk
  • The ability to make use of existing skills and experience

That’s why I tend to be sceptical of highly promoted schemes promising huge profits with little effort. Most are either unrealistic or require far more time and money than the advertisements suggest.

A modest but reliable side income is usually a much better goal.

Final Thoughts

There has probably never been a better time to earn extra money on the side. The internet has opened up opportunities that simply didn’t exist a generation ago.

For most over-50s, however, the key is finding something realistic, flexible and enjoyable.

Whether it’s taking part in research studies through Prolific Academic, selling unwanted items, tutoring, freelance writing or another activity entirely, a side hustle can provide extra income, mental stimulation and a welcome sense of purpose.

And if it helps pay for a few holidays, meals out or treats for the grandchildren along the way, so much the better!

What side hustles have worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations. Please leave a comment below as usual.

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Prolific Academic - Ideal Side Hustle for Seniors

Here’s Why Prolific Academic Could Be the Ideal Side Hustle for Seniors

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If you’re retired or semi-retired and looking for a flexible way to earn a little extra money from home, Prolific Academic could be the answer you are seeking.

I first wrote about Prolific a while ago in my article Make Money Helping University Researchers with Prolific Academic, and I still believe it’s one of the best side hustles around – especially for older people.

No, you’re not going to make a fortune from it. But you can earn a useful extra income in your spare time, while helping genuine academic researchers and keeping your brain active into the bargain.

What Is Prolific Academic?

Prolific Academic is an online platform that connects researchers – mainly from universities and other academic institutions – with members of the public willing to take part in research studies.

Most studies involve answering questionnaires or surveys, though some include simple games, memory tests, opinion polls, or short interactive tasks. Researchers are generally looking for honest responses from people of all ages and backgrounds, and seniors are often especially valued because they are under-represented in many studies.

Unlike some survey sites, Prolific has built a strong reputation for treating participants fairly. Studies are normally well designed, interesting and clearly explained. You can also see in advance how long each study should take and how much you’ll be paid (see below).

Flexible and Easy to Fit Around Your Life

One of the biggest advantages of Prolific for seniors is the flexibility.

There are no fixed hours, targets or commitments. You simply log in when you want to and choose from whatever studies are available. If you’re busy with holidays, family commitments, gardening, golf, volunteering, or anything else, you can ignore it for days or weeks without any problem.

Equally, if you have a quiet afternoon and fancy earning a few pounds, you can complete several studies in one sitting.

That makes Prolific ideal for retirees who want a side hustle that fits around their lifestyle rather than the other way round.

The Studies Are Often Genuinely Interesting

This is another reason I particularly like Prolific.

Many studies are linked to real academic research in subjects such as psychology, health, behaviour, finance, education, politics, memory, and technology. Some are thought-provoking and even fun.

You may be asked your opinion on current issues, to test a new app or website, or to take part in experiments exploring how people make decisions. I’ve personally found many studies surprisingly engaging.

Of course, there are occasional dull ones too – but because you can pick and choose, you’re free to skip anything that doesn’t appeal.

A Useful Extra Income Stream

Let’s keep expectations realistic: Prolific isn’t a replacement for a salary or pension.

But it can provide a worthwhile supplementary income. Rates typically work out between £8 and £12 per hour, with bonuses sometimes awarded as well. Many users earn enough to cover treats, hobbies, meals out, subscription services, or part of a holiday budget.

Payments are made without any deductions via the online payment platform PayPal. You can request a payout any time your earnings reach £6 or more. Payments are reliable and prompt, which is another reason the platform has developed such a loyal following. And because you decide how much time to devote to it, you remain completely in control.

Good for Keeping Your Brain Active

One thing many retirees discover is that mental stimulation matters just as much as physical activity.

The variety of tasks on Prolific can help keep your brain engaged and alert. Memory exercises, problem-solving tasks, reading comprehension studies, and opinion-based questionnaires all encourage active thinking.

I’m certainly not claiming Prolific is some sort of miracle anti-ageing treatment! But regularly engaging with new ideas and challenges can only be a positive thing.

The Tax Advantage for Small Earners

Another point worth mentioning is the UK government’s £1,000 Trading Allowance.

Under current HMRC rules, if your total income from casual self-employed or side-hustle activities is under £1,000 a year, you generally do not need to declare it or pay tax on it.

That means many casual Prolific users may fall comfortably within this limit.

Obviously everyone’s tax situation is different, and tax rules can change – so if you expect to earn more than this or are unsure about your position, it’s sensible to check the latest HMRC guidance or seek professional advice.

How to Sign Up

If you like the idea of earning a sideline income as a Prolific Academic member, all you need do is visit the Prolific website and click on the Get Paid to Participate box (don’t click the box to sign up as a researcher, obviously!).

An application form will then open requesting various items of information from you, most importantly the PayPal email address via which you want to be paid 💰

Final Thoughts

There are countless so-called “side hustles” being promoted online these days. Many are unrealistic, risky or simply exhausting.

Prolific is refreshingly different.

It’s flexible, straightforward, low-pressure and genuinely interesting. You can do as much or as little as you like, earn a bit of extra money, help academic research and keep mentally active at the same time.

For many seniors, that combination makes it close to the ideal side hustle.

  • Have you tried Prolific Academic yourself and would you recommend it? Or do you have another favourite side hassle you would like to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please comment below as usual 🙂




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